Islamabad: A new initiative aimed at promoting green skills and climate-smart technologies for businesses in Pakistan was launched in Islamabad on Tuesday, bringing together government officials, development partners and industry representatives to discuss sustainable economic growth and workforce development.
The event, organized by CARE Pakistan with support from Team Europe’s TVET Sector Support Programme and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), focused on increasing private sector awareness and adoption of climate-responsive technologies. The programme targets Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and aims to strengthen links with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.
The TVET Sector Support Programme in Pakistan is co-funded by the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany. It is implemented by GIZ in partnership with the British Council in cooperation with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and other public and private sector institutions.
Focus on skills for climate-responsive industry
Participants discussed how climate-smart solutions and green skills can support Pakistan’s industrial sector while improving environmental sustainability. The event also explored ways to strengthen connections between industry and the country’s vocational training institutions.
Opening remarks were delivered by Barbara Riksen, Acting Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, who highlighted the EU’s support for Pakistan’s transition toward greener economic practices through skills development and partnerships with businesses.
Dr. Mirjam Büdenbender, representing the German Embassy, noted that international supply chains are increasingly adopting sustainability standards, making energy efficiency, climate-smart production and sustainable technologies important factors for global market access.
Government and development partners call for collaboration
A keynote address was delivered by Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Secretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. She emphasized the importance of cooperation between government institutions, industry and development partners to advance Pakistan’s climate action and economic development goals.
According to Chaudhry, investment in skills development and innovation can help create new opportunities for green jobs, sustainable industries and inclusive growth across the country.
Adil Sheraz, Country Director of CARE Pakistan, said the initiative builds on the organization’s ongoing work to support livelihoods and improve economic opportunities, including programmes focused on women entrepreneurs, farmers and workplace improvements.
Discussion on workforce and innovation
The programme included a panel discussion titled “Building a Green Workforce: Linking Climate-Smart Industry, Skills Development, and Women’s Economic Inclusion in Pakistan.” Participants included Jamal S. Malik, Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor at the Special Investment Facilitation Council; Mahal Kamal, Founding Chair of Women in Energy; and Syed Mohammad Ali Murtaza, Country Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Syngenta Pakistan.
Speakers discussed how cooperation between businesses, technical training institutions and development organizations can help prepare Pakistan’s workforce for emerging opportunities in a green economy.
The event also featured a “Green Innovation Walkway,” showcasing research and technologies developed in Pakistan, including solar solutions, energy-efficient systems and water-saving innovations.
Organizers said the initiative aims to support enterprises and training institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan as Pakistan works toward climate resilience and sustainable economic development.
